Epilepsy Treatment-Medication, Causes and Prevention

Introduction

Epilepsy is a medical condition that produces seizures affecting a variety of mental and physical functions. Epileptic seizures are experienced by people in different ways and can vary in intensity.

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain that causes seizures. A seizure is a brief change in behavior, sensation, consciousness, or motor function due to abnormal firing of nerve cells in the brain.

Epilepsy is a common disorder that affects about 1% of people. It occurs when nerve cells in the brain begin to fire abnormally. These changes cause distinct symptoms depending on where they occur and which nerves are affected by them.

What are the causes and types of epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes seizures. It can be caused by birth injuries, brain tumors, head injuries, strokes and infections.

But there are many other types of epilepsy. For example, some children have an inherited form called autosomal dominant inheritance pattern (ADIP). They pass it on to their children if both parents carry the gene for it.

Some types of epilepsy do not require treatment but others do need medical attention because they can cause serious problems if left untreated or uncontrolled

What are the symptoms and signs of epilepsy?

There are two types of seizures:

• Focal seizures, also known as partial seizures. Focal seizures affect only one part of the brain. They can cause a variety of symptoms that may include:
• A funny feeling or tingle in your arms or legs (called an aura)
• Numbness or tingling in your face, head, or other parts of the body
• The sense that you’re being watched (called an olfactory hallucination)
• A sudden urge to move your arms and legs (called psychomotor seizure)

How is epilepsy diagnosed?

A neurologist or a general practitioner may make the diagnosis.

• A clinical evaluation will be performed, which includes your medical history and information about your seizures. Your doctor will also ask you to describe what happens during a seizure and how long it lasts.
• If you have had more than one seizure, an electroencephalogram (EEG) may be ordered to help confirm the diagnosis. This test records electrical activity in the brain using electrodes placed on specific areas of the scalp.
• Brain imaging scans like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) are sometimes used when epilepsy is suspected to determine whether there are abnormalities that could cause seizures in certain parts of your brain.

How is epilepsy prevented?

• You can prevent epilepsy by avoiding alcohol and drugs.
• You can also prevent it by not smoking or eating high-fat foods.
• Sleep deprivation, brain trauma and certain medications can cause epilepsy.
• Certain foods (such as nuts) or chemicals (such as mercury) may also contribute to the condition.

Epilepsy is a medical condition that produces seizures affecting a variety of mental and physical functions.

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder affecting people of all ages. It is characterized by recurring seizures that may be followed by convulsions, loss of consciousness, and even death. Epilepsy is a chronic condition, meaning it requires long-term treatment to control seizures. This can be done with medication or surgery depending on the severity of your case and any other health conditions you may have.

In most cases, epilepsy does not cause any permanent physical damage to your brain or body; however if left untreated this condition may lead to severe disability such as an inability to speak properly or walk normally because seizures affect muscle control during an episode.

Conclusion

Epilepsy is a medical condition that produces seizures affecting a variety of mental and physical functions. It can be caused by brain injury, brain tumor, stroke or infection. It may also be related to birth defects.